Stepping Up: Drought Conditions Spur Residents to Action

AUBURN -- Leaders of the Placer County Water Agency on Thursday (June 19) said PCWA water customers have stepped up and saved water as the region contends with serious drought conditions.

PCWA Director of Resource Development Andy Fecko said water savings achieved in PCWA service areas have contributed to an 18 percent use reduction in the greater Sacramento area.

The overall reduction, reported June 16 by the Regional Water Authority (RWA), covers Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties. The RWA analysis compares this year's water use to the last two years. Fecko commended PCWA water users and said their actions have allowed the water agency to stay on its planning track in delivering adequate water supplies through this dry year.

In another bit of good news, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Government Relations Representative Gregg McKenzie said PG&E has increased its allotment of water to PCWA from 59 percent of average levels, as projected in May, to 71 percent. He said increase is due to higher than anticipated runoff on the Yuba-Bear river watershed and additional water not purchased by the Nevada Irrigation District.

PCWA Drought Project Manager Tony Firenzi said this increase in supply will help reduce costs by reducing necessary pumping from the American River and will increase our contingency to make ends meet at the end of the year. He said the agency continues to recommend 10-20 percent reductions in use by all customers.

In other business, PCWA directors:

heard an update on the growing North State Water Alliance campaign to represent north state interests as the state works to protect and sustain the California Delta while exporting water to the south. Board members were updated on legislative efforts to place a water bond measure on the state ballot. • received a 2013 audit and financial reports from independent auditor Maze & Associates, of Pleasant Hill. The report found no deficiencies and noted that PCWA remained in a strong financial position through 2013.

recognized four PCWA employees for receiving Exemplary Performance Awards, the agency's highest employee award. Award recipients for 2014 are Jill Howes of the Customer Services Department, Josh Lelko of Technical Services, David Raastad of the PCWA Power System, and Carrie Parks of the Finance Department.

The next regular board meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on July 3 at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn. PCWA board meetings are open to the public.

Information on PCWA board meetings may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030. For drought updates and water conservation information, see www.pcwa.net.

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